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Common Color Problems

Color issues are the most frequent challenges in print design. Understanding why colors look different and how to fix them is essential.
Critical: Screen colors (RGB) and print colors (CMYK) use fundamentally different systems. Some screen colors cannot be reproduced in print. This is normal, not a bug.

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Problem 1: Colors Look Wrong/Different

Symptoms:
  • Printed colors don’t match screen
  • Colors appear duller than expected
  • Specific colors shifted (blues, oranges, bright greens)
Root cause: RGB vs CMYK gamut difference

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Understanding the Issue

  • RGB vs CMYK Gamut
  • Which Colors Lose Most
  • What You Can Control
Two different color systems:RGB (Screen):
  • Light-based (additive)
  • Wider color range
  • Vibrant colors possible
  • 16.7 million colors
CMYK (Print):
  • Ink-based (subtractive)
  • Narrower color range
  • Physical ink limitations
  • ~1 million reproducible colors
The gap: RGB can show colors CMYK can’t printExample:
Bright electric blue (RGB: 0, 100, 255)
↓ Converts to ↓
Duller navy blue (CMYK: 100, 60, 0, 0)
This is physics, not a software limitation

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Solutions

Preview CMYK before printing:In Figma:
  1. Install color profile viewer plugin
  2. Preview CMYK simulation
  3. Adjust colors accordingly
In Acrobat/Preview:
  1. Open exported PDF
  2. Enable “Overprint Preview” (Acrobat)
  3. View → Proof Colors (Photoshop)
What to look for:
  • Which colors shifted most
  • Overall color balance
  • Acceptable vs unacceptable changes
Adjust in Figma:
  • Increase saturation slightly to compensate
  • Choose alternate colors for severely affected areas
  • Re-export and check again
Limitation: Soft proofing is approximate (screen limitations)
Prevention is best:Use CMYK color picker:
  1. Convert RGB to CMYK early
  2. Choose colors that convert well
  3. Test before finalizing design
CMYK-safe color guidelines:
  • Blues: C100 M60 Y0 K0 (instead of electric blue)
  • Greens: C60 M0 Y100 K0 (instead of neon green)
  • Reds: C0 M100 Y100 K0 (achievable vibrant red)
  • Oranges: C0 M60 Y100 K0 (good orange)
  • Purples: C60 M100 Y0 K0 (solid purple)
Resources:
  • CMYK color charts
  • Print color guides
  • Pantone coated/uncoated books
Result: What you design is what you get
For critical brand colors:When to use:
  • Logo colors must be exact
  • Brand guidelines specify Pantone
  • Budget allows spot color printing
Process:
  1. Ask printer if they support spot colors
  2. Define colors as Pantone (e.g., PMS 286 C)
  3. Enable spot color preservation in Print for Figma
  4. Export with spot colors intact
Advantages:
  • Exact color match
  • Consistent across print runs
  • Wider gamut than CMYK
Disadvantages:
  • More expensive (extra ink plate)
  • Limited to specific colors
  • Not all printers support
Best for: Business cards, branding materials, packaging
Physical proof is ultimate truth:Process:
  1. Export final PDF
  2. Order small quantity (1-5 copies)
  3. Review physical print
  4. Adjust if needed
  5. Order full run
Cost:
  • Sample prints: $5-20
  • Saves reprinting costs if colors wrong
What to check:
  • Overall color accuracy
  • Specific brand colors
  • Photos/images quality
  • Dark areas (blacks, shadows)
Adjust:
  • Increase saturation if too dull
  • Adjust specific problematic colors
  • Re-export and test again
Professional approach: Always proof critical projects
For clients/stakeholders:Set expectations early: “Print colors will look different from screen. This is normal due to RGB vs CMYK limitations.”Show comparisons:
  • Side-by-side soft proof
  • Previous print samples
  • Color gamut diagrams
Explain limitations:
  • Some colors can’t be printed
  • Physics, not software issue
  • Solutions: spot colors, accept difference, adjust design
Get approval:
  • Share PDF soft proof
  • Order physical proof if critical
  • Get written approval before full run
Avoid surprises: Educated clients = happy clients

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Problem 2: Colors Too Dull/Muted

Symptoms:
  • All colors less vibrant than expected
  • Overall “washed out” appearance
  • Lacking punch/contrast
Common causes: Wrong ICC profile, incorrect settings, paper type

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Diagnosis

1

Check ICC Profile

Verify correct profile selected:Common mistake: Generic CMYK instead of specific profileIn Print for Figma:
  • Color tab → ICC Profile
  • Should match printer’s specification
Correct profiles (most common):
  • ISO Coated v2 300%: Europe, coated paper (most common)
  • GRACoL 2006: USA, coated paper
  • SWOP 2006: USA, newsprint/uncoated
  • PSO Uncoated v3: Uncoated paper
Wrong profile = wrong colorsFix: Select matching profile, re-export
2

Check Rendering Intent

Affects color conversion:In Print for Figma:
  • Color tab → Rendering Intent
  • Should be: Relative Colorimetric (default)
Other intents:
  • Perceptual: Compresses all colors (can make dull)
  • Saturation: For graphics (can oversaturate)
  • Absolute: Rare use
Fix: Change to Relative Colorimetric if different
3

Check Paper Type

Paper affects final appearance:Coated paper (glossy/matte):
  • Brighter colors
  • Better ink absorption
  • Sharper images
Uncoated paper:
  • Duller colors (natural appearance)
  • Ink spreads/absorbs more
  • Softer look
Your profile must match paper:
  • Coated profile + coated paper = Good
  • Coated profile + uncoated paper = Too dark
  • Uncoated profile + coated paper = Too bright
Fix: Verify paper type with printer, use matching profile
4

Check Black Handling

Can affect overall contrast:In Print for Figma:
  • Color tab → Black Handling
  • Try: Preserve black for better contrast
If set to convert all:
  • Pure blacks become CMYK mix
  • Can reduce contrast
  • Shadows less deep
Fix: Enable black preservation

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Solutions

Increase Saturation in Design

Compensate in advance:Before export, increase color saturation by 10-20%In Figma: Adjust HSB saturation sliderWhy: Compensates for CMYK conversion dullingTest: Export, check soft proof, adjust if needed

Use Rich Black

For dark areas:Instead of pure black (K100), use:
  • C60 M40 Y40 K100 (rich black)
Result: Deeper, richer blacks and dark areasApply: Dark backgrounds, shadows, text over 24pt

Verify Paper Stock

Ask printer:“What paper stock are you using?”Match profile to paper:
  • Glossy coated → ISO Coated v2 300%
  • Matte coated → ISO Coated v2 300%
  • Uncoated → PSO Uncoated v3
Consider upgrading paper if budget allows

Order Color Proof

Physical proof essential:See actual ink on actual paperAdjust if needed: Based on proof resultsSaves: Costly reprints

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Problem 3: Specific Colors Wrong

Symptoms:
  • One or two specific colors off
  • Logo color doesn’t match brand
  • Skin tones look wrong

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Brand Colors / Logo Colors

  • Problem: Logo Color Off
  • Solution: Pantone Spot Color
  • Solution: Adjust CMYK Values
Logo blue prints purple, logo red prints brown, etc.Why:
  • Logo designed in RGB
  • CMYK can’t match exactly
  • Conversion shifted color
Solutions:Option A: Accept CMYK version
  • Some shift inevitable
  • Adjust to closest CMYK match
  • Document in brand guidelines
Option B: Use Pantone spot color
  • Exact match possible
  • Requires spot color printing
  • More expensive but accurate
Option C: Find CMYK equivalent
  • Work with brand manager
  • Define “official CMYK version”
  • Use consistently
Best practice: Brands should have both RGB and CMYK versions defined

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Skin Tones

Common issue: People look sunburnedCause: Excessive magenta in CMYK conversionSolution:Check cyan levels:
  • Skin tones need cyan balance
  • Too little cyan = too red/orange
Good skin tone CMYK ranges:
  • Light skin: C5 M20 Y20 K0
  • Medium skin: C20 M35 Y40 K5
  • Dark skin: C40 M50 Y50 K30
Adjust: Increase cyan slightly, reduce magenta slightlyTest: Print proof of faces before full run
Cause: Too much yellow, not enough magentaSolution:Increase magenta: Add warmth Reduce yellow: Remove green cast Add slight cyan: For natural toneUse reference: Professional portrait prints for comparisonCritical for: Portraits, family photos, beauty products

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Problem 4: Colors Not Converting (Still RGB)

Symptoms:
  • PDF still in RGB
  • Printer rejects file
  • Colors wildly wrong when printed
Cause: CMYK conversion not enabled or failed

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Check and Fix

1

Verify Conversion Enabled

In Print for Figma:Color tab → Convert to CMYK: ✓ EnabledIf disabled: Colors stay RGB (wrong for print)Enable it: Re-export
2

Verify in PDF

Check PDF color space:Adobe Acrobat:
  1. File → Properties → Fonts tab
  2. Should show CMYK color space
Preflight check:
  1. Tools → Print Production → Preflight
  2. Check “Color spaces”
  3. Should be CMYK only (or CMYK + spot colors)
If shows RGB: Conversion failed
3

Check for RGB-Only Objects

Some objects might not convert:
  • Certain blend modes (Screen, Multiply)
  • Some effects (rare)
  • Placed RGB PDFs (won’t auto-convert)
Solution: Flatten or rasterize those objects in Figma first
4

Re-export with Correct Settings

Ensure:
  • Convert to CMYK: Enabled ✓
  • ICC Profile: Selected (e.g., ISO Coated v2)
  • Rendering intent: Relative Colorimetric
Export: Generate new PDFVerify: Check PDF color space again

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Problem 5: Colors Inconsistent Across Prints

Symptoms:
  • Business card batch 1 different from batch 2
  • Colors vary within same print run
  • Inconsistent results from same printer
Causes: Multiple factors
  • Printer Calibration
  • Paper Variation
  • Your Files Changed
Most common cause:Digital printers drift over time:
  • Ink levels
  • Print head alignment
  • Temperature/humidity
Offset printers variation:
  • Ink mixing
  • Pressure settings
  • Operator differences
Solution:
  • Ask printer: “How do you ensure color consistency?”
  • Request: Press check or color matching
  • Professional printers: Regular calibration (better consistency)
  • Budget printers: More variation (accept or upgrade)

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Ensuring Consistency

1

Use Print for Figma Presets

Save exact settings:
  1. Configure all settings perfectly
  2. Export tab → Save as preset
  3. Name it (e.g., “Business Card - PrintShop ABC”)
  4. Always use same preset for reorders
Result: Identical PDFs every time
2

Keep Reference Prints

From first successful batch:
  • Keep 5-10 copies as reference
  • Mark “REFERENCE - Match this”
  • Give to printer for color matching
  • Store in dark, cool place (colors fade)
3

Specify in Print Order

Include in order:“Please match colors to previous job #12345” or “Please match attached reference sample”Professional printers: Can match with good accuracy
4

G7 Certified Printer

For critical projects:G7 certification = industry standard for color consistencyFind G7 printer: Better consistency, higher costWorth it: Corporate branding, high-volume projects

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Problem 6: Dark Colors Muddy/Flat

Symptoms:
  • Dark areas lack detail
  • Shadows all look same
  • Rich blacks look flat
Cause: TAC (Total Area Coverage) limiting or GCR too aggressive

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Understanding TAC and GCR

  • What is TAC?
  • GCR Too Aggressive
  • Solutions
TAC = Total Area Coverage:Sum of all ink percentages: C + M + Y + KExample:
Color: C80 M60 Y60 K40
TAC: 80 + 60 + 60 + 40 = 240%
Limits by profile:
  • ISO Coated v2: 330% max
  • SWOP: 300% max
  • Newsprint: 240% max
Exceeding TAC:
  • Too much ink
  • Paper can’t absorb
  • Smearing, offset issues
GCR (Gray Component Replacement):
  • Removes CMY, adds K
  • Reduces TAC
  • But can flatten colors

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Prevention Checklist

Avoid color issues before they happen:
  • Design with CMYK limitations in mind
  • Use CMYK-safe color palette from start
  • Enable soft proofing early and often
  • Select correct ICC profile for printer/paper
  • Use Relative Colorimetric rendering intent
  • Save Print for Figma preset for consistency
  • Order test prints for critical projects
  • Define brand CMYK values officially
  • Use Pantone spot colors for exact brand matches
  • Communicate RGB vs CMYK limitations to clients
  • Keep reference samples for reorders
  • Verify PDF color space before sending to printer

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When to Order Physical Proofs

Always proof for:
  • Brand launches (logos, collateral)
  • Large quantities (1000+ pieces)
  • Expensive projects (budget > $1000)
  • Critical color matching (corporate colors)
  • Client-facing premium materials
Can skip proofs for:
  • Internal documents
  • Black and white prints
  • Familiar printer/process
  • Low-value projects
  • Urgent deadlines (accept risk)
Proof cost: $10-50 typically Reprint cost: $200-5000+ if colors wrong Worth it: Almost always for important projects

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Realistic Expectations

Truth about print colors:
  1. Screen ≠ Print: Will never match exactly (physics)
  2. Variation exists: Even professional printers have 5-10% variation
  3. Paper matters: Same ink on different paper = different result
  4. Proofing essential: For critical color matching
  5. Spot colors: Only way to guarantee exact match
  6. Experience helps: More prints = better color prediction
Set expectations: Educate clients early, avoid disappointment

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Learn More

RGB vs CMYK

Deep dive into color models

ICC Profiles

Choosing the right profile

Spot Colors

Using Pantone for exact matching

Color Accuracy Tutorial

Complete color workflow guide